Chapter 248 - Better Is a Neighbor (2/2)

The atmosphere in the sitting area was tense, as a silence appeared and lasted far longer than felt comfortable. Lu Shengnan did not predict such an awkwardness would follow as she clearly knew nothing about what she should be doing. Finally, after a brief moment passed, Lu Shengnan croaked, “Urm… Huang Li, you can tell Shiyan about the troubles at your place now. Shiyan is a professional in this line of business. Talk to him about your problems, Shiyan has been a very good friend to me and I’m sure he’ll be able to help!”

“Oh? So our former classmate is now as skilled as the charlatans and swindlers I’ve encountered?” Huang Li hissed after being prodded by Lu Shengnan.

“Err…” Lu Shengnan gasped abashedly. She did not expect Huang Li would spit such belittling mockery after she had come to me for help on her behalf.

But I did not wait for Lu Shengnan to reply and I tapped a finger loudly on my can of Coke. “Well,” I said thoughtfully, “If I am indeed only as good as conmen and hustlers, then I would have been the one in trouble during the military exercise in university long ago.” Huang Li was stunned beyond words, but only for a split-second. She did not anticipate such a vicious retort from me that cited the wound which I caused her, a wound which still clearly throbbed to this day.

“So, since the former classmate is learned in such disciplines, how much would you charge me for the services of helping me to solve the problem at my place?” Huang Li asked, still wearing that satirical smile.

Lu Shengnan’s face blazed full red with bashfulness at the helplessness to keep us all from trading barbs. She was badly embarrassed at the nastiness both of her good friends were viciously trying to hurl at each other.

“Charges, eh?” I cackled lightly. “It would depend on what’s in store. I’ll see what have you prepared for me before I can decide. But if it’s the same as before, I guess I’ll only charge you… ten yuan.”

Huang Li’s eyes flared with malice as she hooted a laugh that chilled the air around us. “So be it then, former classmate. I shall await your good news.”

Lu Shengnan exhaled heavily at last, relieved that everyone had survived the situation as tense as a powder keg and we had reached an agreement. “All right, then! Let’s have dinner together tonight! My treat!”

Huang Li cast a deadpan look at Lu Shengnan and uttered blandly, “I’m afraid I’m engaged tonight. I’m eating with Xuedong. He has an appointment with some of his old colleagues.” I threw an inquiring look at Lu Shengnan, who hastily explained, “That’s Huang Li’s husband. Remember our former instructor? His name is Cao Xuedong.” I responded with an “Oh” and turned to face Huang Li. “I see. Just give me your address then. I’ll go with my partners at midnight tonight.”

A devilish smile curled at her lips and she took out a paper from her purse and laid it gently on the table. Scrawled on the paper was a few words, “Unit 104, Nanhu Villa Precinct (the Villa Precinct of Nanhu Lake in Tangshan district)”

I almost burst out laughing. Lin Feng stared at the paper and he froze. Suddenly, he choked and nearly spat out the mouthful of Coke he was drinking. Gulping it down hard, he screamed, “Wow, Shiyan! This woman is your neighbor!?” Chongxi craned over the table for a look at the paper and giggled. “This must be bought just after the new year! Must be a new home!” All three of us looked at each other, grinning broadly. The villa home that Mother had bought for me and Edelweiss was in fact Unit 105, also of the Nanhu Villa Precinct.

Lu Shengnan was the only one still oblivious of what was happening. She stretched her neck for a look at the paper. “What’s wrong? What neighbor?” she asked as she took the paper to look at it while saying to Huang Li, “Oh, yeah! You haven’t told me where you’re living now, Huang Li.” But when her eyes finally saw the writing on the paper, she almost exploded.